I am Special, Bear Toss & Collection Box; Self Esteem 2

Self Esteem 
People with high self esteem are realistic about their strengths and weaknesses; they are able to set goals and work toward them. People with high self esteem do not buy into other peoples negative impressions of them. People with low self esteem have difficulty evaluating their strengths and weaknesses.  Usually they are unrealistic in this area and have negative impressions of themselves.  They buy into other people’s opinions of their strengths and weaknesses far more than they should, and they are often pessimistic.  The activities below help to build a healthy self esteem.

I Am Special: Younger 
Out loud have the child/children say I am special, several times.  Read through the list below to give ideas and then have everyone fill out the, I Am Special page.  Young ones can dictate their answers.

I am special because I am a good brother/sister.      
I am special because I am kind.

I am special because I am a hard worker.                   
I am special because I am helpful.

I am special because I am a good with animals.          
I am special because I am caring.

I am special because I am funny/humorous.         

I am special because I am a good friend.

I Am Special

Everyday tell yourself how special you are

I am special because                                                                                      

I am special because                                                                                      

I am special because                                                                                      

I am special because                                                                                      

Bear Toss Special

You will need a small stuffed animal or a bean bag.  We used a bear.

There are two ways to play this game.

1.  You as the parent/teacher start; I am special because…, then toss the toy to a child.  The child says I am special because…, and tosses the toy back to you.  You promptly toss the toy to another child, they say I am special because…, and tosses the toy back to you.  Continue until everyone has had at least one turn.

2.  Two people face each other with a little bit of distance between them.  Or, a group of people in two lines face each other.  Whoever has the toy says; I am special because…, then tosses the toy to the person across from them, and it continues back and forth, or down the line.  With only two people playing, see how long you can toss the bear back and forth because of how special you are.

I am special because…, toss the toy

I am special because…, toss the toy

The game can be reversed.  You are special because..., toss the toy.

Collection Box; Older

Fill out the questionnaire below to review a little about yourself.  Start collecting photos, pictures, words or symbols clipped from magazines.  Continue to collect items and keep them in a shoe box, or large zip lock bag until you have enough to create.  Use the items in your collection box/bag to make a collage on poster board, as part of a piece of art, or inspiration for a drawing or story...  You can collect things you love and enjoy, places you have been, people you admire, dreams of the future, the college you would like to attend, the career you would like to have...  

Questionnaire
It is important to take a realistic look at your likes and dislikes.  Try to be realistic when looking at your strengths, weaknesses and your goals for the future.  Taking a personal inventory will help you to understand yourself better and what part of yourself you like and what part you may want to improve. 

My favorite activity or school subject ­__________

My least favorite activity or school subject __________


I am good at __________


I am not good at __________


My favorite thing to do in my free time __________

I would like to learn to (cooking, mechanic, architecture, writer) __________

What topic do I know most about __________

I am a leader, follower, or in the middle __________

If you could plan a vacation, where would it be __________

I feel calm and peaceful when __________

I learn best alone, with another person, 

in a small group, or in a large group __________

The best teacher/mentor I have ever had __________

(What makes this teacher/mentor so terrific)